Meet the Director

Mr. Nathan Benitez

Mr. Nathan Benitez has been serving as the Director of Orchestras at Gilbert High School since the 2021-2022 school year. He received his education from Arizona State University, graduating with his Bachelor's Degree Magna Cum Laude in Music Education, and a Master's Degree Magna Cum Laude in Music Performance: Double Bass. 

Mr. Benitez grew up surrounded by music, with both of his parents still working as professional freelance musicians; his mother a violinist and his father a trumpet player. After growing up playing many different instruments, he settled on the bass and plays professionally all over town on a regular basis. He's played with many different ensembles, including the MusicaNova Orchestra, Symphony of the Southwest, West Valley Symphony, ProMusica Arizona, Phoenix Theater Company, Arizona Broadway Theater, Arizona Theater Company, The Canyon Symphony, The Wyatt Barry Trio, and many more.

A native of Arizona, Mr. Benitez went to high school in Tempe, at McClintock High School. It was there that he discovered his love for teaching music, as his high school orchestra teacher would regularly put him in charge of rehearsal. He credits this teacher for allowing him to learn so much about how to lead an ensemble and run an effective rehearsal. His mother was also the orchestra director at the middle school that feeds into McClintock High School (and his middle school orchestra teacher!) and was able to learn a lot from her.

Aside from music, Mr. Benitez really enjoys sports, especially baseball, has a dog named Taika, and enjoys spending time with his family.

Mr. Benitez would like to thank everyone for welcoming him so warmly to Gilbert High School and he couldn't be happier to be here!